Miguel "Mike" F. RiveraMay 23, 1917 - July 16, 2013Mike Rivera, 96, 469 Randolph, passed away from natural causes on July 16, 2013 surrounded by his family and friends. Mike was born on May 23, 1917, in Las Animas, Colorado, the son of Maria Rivera and Santos Flores Rivera. He attended Bonneville elementary and proudly graduated 8th grade from Franklin Junior High. In his life Mike enjoyed the outdoors whether he was hiking the Mountains in Eastern Idaho, roller skating with his dog Tippy or enjoying fishing and hunting.On September 8, 1937 Mike married the love of his life Aurelia Garcia Rivera. Together Mike and Aurelia raised 8 children. Mike began working as a young man in the fields in Eastern Idaho; he worked digging ditches that would become the City sewer system on 2nd street. Eventually, Mike began working for the Union Pacific Railroad being a second generation railroader. Mike eventually retired from the Union Pacific Railroad as a Carman in 1977 after serving over 40 years. He was a proud union member of the Brotherhood Railway Carman of the Unite States and Canada.During his life, Mike and his wife were faithful members of the Catholic Church, giving many volunteer hours to the community of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus becoming a 3rd Degree Member. Mike and Aurelia became the God Parents to numerous children of family and friends alike. Mike was always someone who was considerate of others. He and his wife were early grassroots organizers trying to create an association that would assist other Hispanic people to obtain good paying jobs on the Union Pacific Railroad and to celebrate the Hispanic Culture. Mike and Aurelia were known for their love of Mexican music and dancing to Tejano music. They were the perfect dance partners. Mike did not tire from dancing until Aurelia said he was tired. Mike liked his Mexican food and could be a pretty good cook when it came to preparing his beans. He definitely would give cooking advice to his daughters and granddaughters. Mike was an avid reader enjoying WWII history emphasizing combat experiences. Family and friends had a hard time keeping up with his demand for books so a few years ago he obtained his first library card. He enjoyed sharing family history and talking about Pocatello Hispanic history. He was interviewed and quoted by writers researching the Hispanic contribution to the railroad in Idaho and the Northwest. Mike lived independently until his final days. He was an inspiration to so many friends, family and neighbors. Mike taught those around him about patience, the importance of listening, kindness, giving, honesty and humbleness. He was an example to all his married family and friends. He was wonderful husband to his wife of many years and a caregiver to his special needs daughter. He was a father and grandfather to his family but also was a father and grandfather figure to so many more. Many people who grew up in his neighborhood respected him and grew to care for him like a part of their own family. Children of friends and neighbors looked to him as a grandfather. Mike's quick wit and sense of humor was well known and enjoyed until the end of this life, joking and kidding with his final care givers. Mike will be missed by so many people; he touched many lives and taught so many what it meant to live a spiritual life and to live on your own terms. He will continue on in those who live their lives following in his footsteps. Mike is survived by 7 children, Theresa Camacho, Pocatello, Alfred (Andrea) Rivera, Idaho Falls, Celia (Rogelio) Longoria, Pocatello, Mike Jr (Vickie) Rivera, Pocatello, Antonia (Leslie) Hernandez, Pocatello, Henry (Charlie) Rivera, Pocatello and Christine Rivera, Boise. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 31 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. Mike was preceded in death by his wife Aurelia, daughter Michelle, parents and brothers Alfred and John Rivera.The Rosary will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at 7:00 pm at Downard Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be Monday, July 22, 2013 at 11:00 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Father Francisco Flores officiating. Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements are being made by Downard Funeral Home.